Why Do Kids Pick Their Noses?

Why Do Kids Pick Their Noses?

How many times have you caught your child digging for gold in their nose? If you have a toddler, you probably know these instances all too well. You may want to yell at your child in the moment, but we’ve consulted with the experts, who say nose picking is quite common.

We talked to Dr. Shelly Senders, founder and CEO of Senders Pediatrics in South Euclid, all about nose picking.

What are boogers?

Dr. Senders says it’s important to understand what purpose boogers —  or dried mucus collected in our nostrils — serve. Our bodies make mucus a slimy substance filled with antibodies that protect our bodies from viruses and bacteria and enzymes that help destroy them. This booger precursor also acts as a lubricant to keep our nose and sinuses wet, shields the tissue and blood vessels in our nostrils and sinuses, and traps dirt, dust, pollen and other harmful substances.

Something just doesn’t feel right

Young kids, who tend to get sick more frequently and therefore have more boogers, often pick their noses because it has something new and foreign to them that feels strange.

 “Simply put,” Senders says, “little ones have a need to clear a blockage — especially when allergy season comes around or when environmental conditions like dry or dehumidified air are a factor.” 

Picking your nose can be self-soothing

In some cases, Senders says, kids may be trying to self-soothe when they pick their nose, just like they suck their thumb and twirl their hair for comfort. What’s more, eating boogers can also be seen as soothing to them.

“Eating boogers is called mucophagy,” says Senders. “To kids, boogers taste salty which makes them taste good. Plus, kids see pulling boogers from their noses as an easy way to get rid of them.” 

Parents should not worry

While parents may be concerned that nose picking leads to germs spreading, Senders says it can be quite the opposite.

“Since it is your secretions, it is not harmful. There is even some evidence that it boosts your immunity,” he says. “Plus, if you don’t clear boogers out of your nose, you will most likely swallow them. Most mucus we make ends up in our stomach as postnasal drip. So, it’s not as gross as you think!”

However, if you feel your child is picking their nose too often and especially if there is a lot of dried blood, Senders suggests using positive reinforcement.

“Instead of scolding them for eating boogers, praise them for using a tissue. Blowing is not advisable,” Senders says. “When you blow your nose 50% of the secretions get pushed back into your sinuses which makes it worse.”

Additionally, he says parents should encourage kids to drink more water to cut down on the booger production.

“Since 80% of boogers are water, by drinking water, you make the mucus thinner and have less boogers,” he says. “In the winter, the air is drier and, in the summer, when the AC is on, the air is drier. Both cause thicker mucus which is harder to clear.  So, keep that water bottle close.”

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